Nailing machine



April 15 1958 H. R. FALKEN ETAI. 2,830,294

NAILING MACHINE Filed May 16, 1955 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.

HENRY ra. F-ALKEN TBY RALPH A.VO6EL JR.

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T ENEVS Fig. 1.

April 15, 1958 H. R. FALKEN ETAL 2,830,294

NAILING MACHINE '7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 16, 1955 April 15, 1958 H V I H. R. FALKEN ETAL 2,330,294

NAILING MACHINE 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed May 16, 1955 MNN QM Wm INVENTOR. HENRY R. FALKEN BY RALPH AMOGEL J2.

ATTORNEYS 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 w m AGME Fo RV. M AM o W T L T 5 A 3 April 15, 1958 H. R. FALKEN EI'AL NAILING MACHINE Filed May 16, 1955 7 April 15, 1958 H. R. FALKEN ETAL 2,830,294

NAILING MACHINE '7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed May 16, 1955 QQN R N bQ/N w Mi wow W cu m; m

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INVENTOR. HENRY R. FALKEN BY RALPH A VOGEL. JR.

ATTORNEYS April 15, 1958 H. R. FALKEN ET AL 2,830,294

NAILING MACHINE Filed May 16, 1955 'T Sheets-Sheet 6 Fig. 2

IINVENTOR.

HENRY a. FALKEN BY RALPH A.voeEL .12.

AT TO RNEYS United States Patent 2,830,294 Nadine MACHINE Henry R. Falken, Columbus, and Ralph A. Vogel, Jr., Lancaster, Ohio Application May 16, 1955, Serial No. 508,607

16 Claims. (Cl. 1-1) This invention relates to nailing machines and more particularly to a novel apparatus for both fabricating nails'and performing nailing operations with the nails after they are fabricated.

general, the apparatus of the present invention includes nail forming means adapted to continuously receive nail forming stock from a source of supply. Nails are successively produced from the stock, including the formation of a point, a head, and a serrated shank portion. The machine further includes nail transporting means for successively positioning the formed nails at a nailing location, and force applying means is provided at the nailing location for forcing the nails into the members being fastened.

As a particular application of the present invention, apparatus of the type described above can be efiectively utilized for rapidly nailing plate members to stud members in the course of assembling building wall panels prior to erection. To efiect this result, the structural members to be fastened are assembled on a suitable jig for supporting and aligning the members. A nail forming and driving apparatus of the type described is supported on a moveable carriage whereby the apparatus can be successively moved and stopped along one side of the wall structure to the various stud locations; When the appa ratus is stopped at a stud member, the plate member is secured to such stud member by the apparatus. In this particular application of the invention, a second nail forming and driving apparatus is supported by the moveable carriage whe eby such second apparatus is successively moved and stopped along the other side of the wall structure whereby the opposite ends of the stud members are successively secured to another plate member concurrenby with the fastening of the first mentioned ends of the stud members.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a novel apparatus for both fabricating nails and performing nailing operations with the nails after they are fabricated.

It is another object of the present invention to provide apparatus for successively forming and driving nails which includes means for forming points on nail blanks in combination with means for transferring the finished blanks to a nailing location and means for forcing the nails into the members to be fastened.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a nailing apparatus adapted to successively present nails to a nailing location in combination with means for forming nails from blank stock and means for successively transferring the formed nails to a nailing location. With this arrangement, since the nails are picked up while aligned and positioned in the forming means, the need for unscrambling and pre-aligning nails is eliminated.

it is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus of the type described which provides means for successively forming serrated shank portions on nail blanks in combination with means for transfer- 2 ring the finished blanks to a nailing location and means for forcing the nail into the member to be fastened.

it is another object of the present invention to provide apparatus of the type described which includes means for successively forming heads on nail blanks in combination with means for transferring the nails to a nailing location and means for forcing the nails into fastening relationship with a member to be nailed.

It is another object of the present invention to provide apparatus of the type described which includes novel guide means located at a nailing location to which nails are successively transported by the apparatus, which guide means serves to precisely locate the point of each nail on the surface of a member to be nailed at such nailing location.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a machine for performing separate nailing operations at various locations along a path, which machine includes apparatus for both fabricating nails and forming nailing operations after they are fabricated, in combination with means for imparting relative motion between the apparatus and the member being nailed to effect nailing operations at various location along the path.

It is another object of the present invention to provide apparatus for both fabricating nails and performing nailing operations with the nails after they are fabricated, which apparatus includes means for transporting nails from a nail forming means to a plurality of separate nailing locations at which said transporting means can be selectively located by controlled operation of the apparatus.

t is another object ofthe present invention to provide apparatus for both forming nails and performing nailing operations, which apparatus includes novel means for successively presenting a predetermined length of stock to a nail forming means which successively forms finished nails therefrom.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide apparatus for both forming nails and performing nailing operations, which apparatus includes ncv'el means for successively presenting stock, from a coiled supply thereof to the nail forming means, in combination with means for continuously straightening the coiled stock as it is presented to such nail forming means.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a machine adapted to drive nails at a plurality of nailing locations on a member, with such machine being further adapted to precisely locate and drive a plurality of adjacently located nails at each of said nailing locations.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings wherein a preferred form of embodiment is illustrated.

in the drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a nailing machine which includes apparatus constructed according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a top elevational view of the machine illustrated in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a partial side elevational view, partially in section, of an apparatus for both fabricating nails and performing a nailing operation, such apparatus compris ing a portion of the machine of the preceding figures. The section is taken substantially along the line 2-2 of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is apartial side elevational view of a second portion of the apparatus of Figure 3, with the view being taken partially in section along the line 2+2 of Figure 2;

Figure 5 is a sectional view showing a portion of the apparatus of Figure 3, with the section being taken substantially along the line -5 of Figure 3;

Figure 6 is a partial sectional view of a portion of the apparatus of Figure 3, withthe section being taken along the line 6-6 of Figure 3;

Figure 7 is a partial sectional view-showing a portion of the apparatus of Figure 3 with the section being taken along the line 77 of Figure 3;

Figure 8 is a side elevational view, partially in section, of a wire advancing mechanism constructed according to the present invention, with thesection being taken substantially along the line 8 -8 of Figure 9; and

Figure 9 is a top elevational view, partially in section, of the wire advancing mechanism of Figure 8, with the section being taken substantially along the line 9--9 of Figure 8. I

Referring next to the drawings, Figure 1 illustrates a nailingmachine constructed according to the present invention. The machine includes a frame indicated generally at 20, which frame includes horizontal members 21, 22, 23 and 24*extended between horizontal frame members 26 and 27. The-frame further includes vertical members 30 and a plurality of wheels 32 adapted to ride on a track 33.

The frame 20 is adapted to be moved along the track 33 whereby the machine can be located at various positions relative to the members to be nailed. Accordingly, the members of frame 20 are adapted to span a horizontally disposed wall panel mounted on a supporting frame 41 which serves to support and locate a plurality of .stud members 42 and a pair of plate members 43.

Referring again to Figure 1, an apparatus for both fabricating nails and performing nailing operations is indicated generally at 46. The apparatus 46 is mounted on the frame member 26 and is hence moved along the outer surface of the plate member 43 as the frame 20 is moved along the track 33. With this arrangement, apparatus 46 can be successively moved and stopped at the various locations of the stud members 42 whereby the apparatus is positioned to fasten the junction of each stud member with the plate member .43.

Referring next to the other side of the machine, a second apparatus, for both fabricating nails and performing nailing operations, is partially illustrated at 48. The apparatus 48 is identical with the apparatus 46, and when apparatus 46 is positioned at one end of. a stud member 42 apparatus 48 is positioned at the other end of such stud member 42. Upon, actuation of the two apparatus 46 and 48, both ends of ,a stud member are simultaneously secured to their respective plate members.

As is best seen in Figure 1, the nailing machine frame 20 supports a platform 50 upon which the machine operator can stand. Control unit 52 is supported by the frame members and located within handy reach of the operator to provide means whereby the operator can move the machine to precise locations along the track and to provide means whereby the operator can actuate the apparatus 46 and 48 after the machine has been properly positioned relative to the members to be fastened.

Referring next to Figure 2, it is seen that the frame members 21 and 22 carry a coiled supply of wire for continuously supplying a wire 62 to the apparatus 46. It will be noted that the wire 62 passes through a straightened means, indicated generally at 64, and an advancing mechanism indicated generally at 65. In a like manner, frame members 23 and 24 carry a second coiled supply 68 of a wire 70 which is continually supplied to the apparatus 48. In progressing to the apparatus 48, wire 70 passes through a straightening means, indicated generally at 72, and a wire advancing mechanism indicated generally at 73. 1 7

Reference is next made to Figure 3 which is a side elevational view of the apparatus 46. Apparatus 46 includes an inner frame portion attached t0 thfi; Qui

frame member 83 by means of a pair of removable pins 85 and 95, the latter appearing in Figure 7. A plurality of overlapping lugs 87 and 86 are provided with aligned holes 88 and 89 fitted with bushings 91 and 92 to provide a smooth socket for the pin 85. As best seen in Figure 2, pin 85 is located on the right side of the apparatus 46, and pin 95 is located on the left side of the apparatus, When only the right pin 85 is removed, the outer frame portion 83 can be swung to the left, with the left pin 95 serving as a hinge, to provide access to the interior mechanism of the front frame portion 80. When desired, the left pin 95 can be removed whereby the outer frame portion 83 can be swung to the right with the right pin 85 serving as a hinge. If both the pins 85 and 95 are removed, the outer frame portion 83 can be completely detached and lifted clear of the inner frame portion 80. i

. Referring again to Figure 3, and particularly to the inner frame portion 80,'it is seen that such frame portion is provided with a hole 97 in which is mounted a guide block 98. Guide block 98 includes a longitudinally extending hole 100 of an appropriate diameter for continuously receiving the wire 62 from the wire supporting means 60, in the manner illustrated in Figure 2.

As seen in Figure 3, the left end of guide block 98 carries a hardened insert 102 and the right end of such block is provided with a recess 103. .An insert 105 is formed with a wire receiving hole 106 and retained in the recess 103 by suitable fastening means such as a snap ring 108. The inner frame portion 80 continues the wire receiving path by means ofthe .hole 110 which adjoins a hole provided by a stationary die-portion 111 and a moveable die portion 112. These die portions are engageable at a junction 113 at which is located the serrated hole 115. Each of the die portions 111 and 112 form one-half of the serrated wall means for the hole 115 and serve to grip the Wire 62 and form serrations on the shank thereof. To eflfect such action, the wire advancing mechanism 65 is actuated to extend a predetermined length of wire between the die portions 111and 112, With an end portion 117 of the wire extending a predetermined length beyond a surface 118 of the die portions. The extended wire portion 117 provides metal to the upset in forming the nail head on the blank. With the wire 62 in such extended position, a power cylinder120 is actuated which extends a shaft 121, (Z-bracket 122, and the moveable serrated die portion 112 towards the stationary die portion 111. This causes the two die portions to clamp the shank of the wire to retain the wire during the heading operation. In addition, the die portions form the serrations on the shank of the nail. I

Reference is made to Figure 7 which is a Vertical 'sec tional view taken through the apparatus 46 at the location of pins 85 and 95. Such section provides a plan view of surface 118 of the die portions 111 and 112, together with the adjacent related mechanism. It will be noted that the stationary serrated die portion 111 is secured to the frame portion in a recess formed into the surface 126 of the inner frame. A pair of studs 127 retain the stationary die portion 111 in the recess. The moveable serrated die portion 112 is retained by a pair of guide plates 130 and 131 secured in a recess 132 by machine screws 133. Each side of the moveable serrated die portion 112 is milled out to provide two laterally extending flanges 134 which ride beneath the guide plates 130 and 131.. The C-bracket 122 is secured to shaft 121 at a threaded portion 135 which is screwed into a threaded hole 136 in the end of shaft 121. Jaws 137 on the C-bracket engage a head portion 139 formed on the upper end of the moveable die portion 112.

Referring again to the inner frame portion 80 shown in Figure 3, the cut-off mechanisms and the point forming mechanism will next be described in detail. In this connection, it will be noted that the guide block 98 is provided with a vertically extending hole 142 which regis-.

ters with a 'v'ertically extending hole 143 formed inthe front portion 80. The guide block 98 further includes a laterally extending hole 145 which intersects the vertically extending hole 142. Laterally extending hole 145 serves as a guide for slideably supporting a pair of round die members with the end of one of such die members being indicated at 147 in Figure 3.

Reference is next made to the sectional view of Figure 6 which includes a side view of the die member 147 as well as a side view of a second die member 148. The actuating mechanism for the right die member 147 will be described in detail, it being understood that the actuating mechanism for the left die member 148 is substantially identical. The inner frame member 80 is formed with a cylinder chamber 150 provided with a cover plate 152 secured to the frame portion by machine screws 153. A piston means 155 is arranged for reciprocating movement within the cylinder 150 with such piston means 155 being provided with a longitudinally extending hole 156 which carries the right die member 147. Die member 147 includes a head 158 retained against an end surface 159 on the piston by means of a two piece cap 161 comprising portions 163 and 164 which are clamped together by means of a ring 166.

The piston means 155 is slideably carried in an inner bushing 168, secured to the frame portion by the studs 170, and an outer bushing 171 mounted in a hole 172 in cover plate 152. A packing means 174 and a plurality of fluid seals 175 are provided between the shank portion of the piston means 155 and the inner walls of the frame portion and bushing 168, to seal the cylinder 150 from the environment. A fluid seal 177 is provided between the peripheral surface 178 on the piston means and the bore surface 179 of the cylinder 150. An additional fluid seal 181 is located between the cover plate 152 and the wall of the cylinder 150.

With continued reference to the actuating mechanism of Figure 6, passage 183 connects a fluid line 185 with the cylinder on one side of piston means 155 and a second similar passage 136 connects the outer side of the cylinder with a fluid line 187. With reference to the left actuating apparatus of Figure 6, the left die member 148 is carried by a piston means 191 adapted to reciprocate in a cylinder 192. Two passages 193 and 194 connect two fluid lines 195 and 196 with oppositeends of the cylinder 192. In operation, the lines 185 and 196, which feed fluid to the inner sides of the piston means 155 and 191 respectively, are both connected to the same fluid source, not illustrated, whereby the two piston means are actuated simultaneously. In a like manner, two fluid lines 187 and 195, which conduct fluid to the outer side of the piston means 155 and 191 respectively, are also connected to a common source of fluid whereby both die means 147 and 148 are simultaneously actuated and exert equal inwardly directed forces on both sides of the blank being formed.

Referring again to Figure 6, and particularly to the end view of right die portion 147, it will be noted that such die portion includes a pair of faces 201 and 202 which cooperate with an identical pair of faces on the left die portion 148 to form a diamond shaped point on the nail blank when the two die portions are moved inwardly against the blank. In addition the end of the right die portion 147 includes a cutter portion 203 adapted to register with an identical cutter portion formed on the left die portion 148. Such two cutter portions serve to sever the nail blank from the wire 62'at the same time the die faces 201-ar1d 202 are forming the point for the nail.

Referring again to the actuating mechanism of Figure 6, the piston means 155 includes a hole 206 formed in the inner face thereof which slideably receives a locating pin 207 mounted in a hole 208 in the inner frame portion 80. Locating pin 207 prevents rotation of the piston means 155' thereby retaining the die portion 147 in a properly indexed disposition. An identical locating pin is provided for the left piston means 191 and die portion 148 carried thereby.

Referenceis next made to Figure 3 for the purpose of describing a nail transporting apparatus indicated generally at 212. Such apparatus includes a head member 213 which is carried on the end of a rod 214 which comprises a portion of a fluid actuated cylinder 215. The rod 214 is shown retracted to its lowermost position wherein a nail receiving hole 220 registers with a guide hole 221 formed through a guide means indicated generally at 223. A wood member 225 is shown disposed at a nailing location adjacent guide block 223, and a. nail 226, which has been forced into position by the extension of a rod member 227, is shown in fastening relationship with the wood member 225. In transporting nail 226, it is picked up by the head 213 when the head is extended to an uppermost position at which the nail receiving hole 220 is axially aligned with serated hole 115. With the nail transporting head 213 in the uppermost position, and with the point-forming die members and the shank-serrating die members in open configuration, the wire 62 is advanced a predetermined length for the purpose of extending a new wire length between the forming dies, and for the further purpose of pushing the formed nail from a position between the open dies and into the hole. 220 in the head 213. The nail transporting apparatus 212 is next lowered to one of two positions, such as the lowermost position illustrated, wherein the hole 220, and the nail carried therein, are aligned with guide hole 221. The rod member 227, mounted on an arm 230, is next extended forwardly, from the position illustrated, by actuation of a fluid actuated cylinder 232. As seen in Figure3, arm 230 is mounted to an actuating rod 234 of the fluid actuated cylinder 232, by a cross member 235 secured to the end of shaft 234 by a machine screw 236. A pair of smaller machine screws 237 secures the cross member 235 to the arm 230. In operation, as the rod 227 is advanced into the hole 220, the end of the rod engages the head of the nail and forces the point through the guide hole 221 and into the wood member 225. Due to the presence of guide hole 221, the point of the nail 226 is precisely located on the surface of the wood member 225.

Simultaneously with the actuation of cylinder 232, and the extension of rod 227 thereby, for forcing the nail into the wood member, second extendable rod 400, at the inner end of cylinder 232, is extended to cause a heading die 402, mounted in a recess 403, to engage and upset the extended blank portion 117 to a form a headon the next nail.

Referring next to Figure 7, the outer face of the nail guide means 223 is illustrated. Such guide means includes a moveably mounted right plate 240 and a moveably mounted left plate 241 which normally engage each other at the inner edges 242 and 243 respectively. The lower guide hole 221 includes a tapered surface 245 adapted to receive the point of a nail and positionsame to enter the guide hole 221. As seen in Figure 7, an upper guide hole 247 is also provided with an identical tapered entrance surface 248, The upper guide hole 247 serves to accurately locate a nail when the nail transporting head 213 is stopped at an upper nailing location wherein the nail receiving hole 220 is aligned with such upperguide hole.

Reference is next made to Figure 5 which illustrates the other side of the above described nail guide means 223. The right guide plate 240 of'Figure 7 appears on the left side in Figure 5 and the'other guide plate 241 is similarly reversed, since the guide means is being viewed from the opposite side. The outer end of each of the guide plates is provided with a pair'of holes, as illustrated at 250 and 251, and a pair of springs 252 and 253 are retained therein and interposed between the guide plate and a member 255 carried by the inner frame-portion 80'. -Bach of the guide plates 240 and 241 is slotted at 256 and a bar 257 is disposed in thefslotabove a 'shouldern259. A spacermember 260 underlies the bar 257, with such spacer member 260 being of appropriate thickness to position the bar 257 in smooth and sliding engagement with the shoulder 259. A machine screw 262 extends through the bar 257 and spacer member 260 for securing same to the. frame portion 80. With this arrangement', both of the guide plates 240 and 241 are free to slide outwardly when the head of a nail, and either of the rods 227 and 228, are forced against the tapered entrance surface of either of the guideholes 221a11d 247.. When this occurs, guide plates 240 and 241 compress the springs 252and 253, and, in so doing, yield outwardly to allow passage of the nail head and rod member tothe surface of the wood member 225. After the nail has been driven flush the rod member 227 is retracted by actuation of cylinder. 232, and as such rod member 227 is withdrawn from between the guide plates, the action of compression spring 252 and 253 will move the guide plates 240 and 241 back into engagement as illustrated in Figures and 7.

Reference is next made to Figure 4 which comprises a complete sectional view of the fluid actuated cylinder apparatus 215 which apparatus carries the nail transporting head 213 and serves to move same between the nailforming position and the two nailing locations. Cylinder 215 includes an inner head member 270, an outer head member 272, and a tubular member 274 extended therebetweento form a cylinder chamber. seals 275 and 276 are provided at each end of the tubular member 274. A plurality of rods 277 and 278 have their inner ends secured to a head portion 285 and extend through inner head member 270 to the outer head memher 272 to retain thetubular member 274 clamped between the inner and outer head members. w A nut 280 is provided on the threaded outer end of each rod to retain themembers together. The actuating rod 214 for the apparatus is slideably carried in a hole 282 formed through the inner head member which carries a bushing 283 and a packing 284 disposed in a head portion 285 which is in mounted engagement with the inner frame member 80 of the apparatus. The head member 270 further includes a fluid seal 286 for preventing leakage of fluid from a cylinder chamber 287 formed by the tubular member 27 4.

With continued reference to Figure 4, the outer end of the'rod 214 includes a primary piston 290 slideably carried in chamber 287. A secondary piston 292 is slideably carried in a secondary cylinder 293, formed in the outer head member 272, and engageable with the outer end of the primary piston 290. The primary piston is provided with a fluid seal 295 and the secondary piston portion is provided with a similar fluid seal 296.

In describing the operation of the apparatus of Figure 4, it should be pointed out that the primary cylinder chamber 287 is always pressurized by fluid from line 302.

For the purpose of extending the rod 214, from the position illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, to the nail-forming position wherein the nail receiving head 213 is aligned with a formed nail, fluid is introduced through a line 305 and hole 306 to the interior of secondary cylinder 293. When fluid is introduced into the secondary cylinder 293, a fluid pressure is exerted on the lower or outer end of primary piston 290 which results in an upwardly directed force being applied to rod 214 whereby rod 214 is extended upwardly to transport the nail transporting head 213 to the nail receiving position. After a finished nail has been transferred into the nail-receiving passage 220, line 305 is drained and pressure from fluid in primary cylinder 287 against the upper surface of the primary piston 290 will effect retraction of the rod 214 away from the nail forming position and back to one of the twonail- .ing locations'an'd into-alignment with either the lower guide hole 221 'or the upper guide hole 247.

Appropriate 1' In operation,'the machine operator can move the nail transporting head 213 to either of the two nailing locations since the portion 'of the head 213 containing the nail re-.

rod members 227 and.228. Hence when the hole 220 is.

aligned with rod member 228 the other rod member 227 will clear the head 213 when it is extended with rod memher 228 during a nail driving operation. The head 213 and nail receiving hole 220 are selectively positioned at either of the two nailing locations, depending on whether the previously described fluid line 298 is maintained pressurized, with the fluid line 305 being drained or whether both the fluid lines 298 and 305 are drained. In the former instance, as the rod 214 is retracted, its motion will continue until the outer end 307 of the primary piston 290 engages the secondary piston 292 which will be retained in the upper end of the secondary cylinder 293 due to the locking of fluid therein while the line 298 is pressurized and line 305 is being drained. When it is desired to retract the rod 214 to the lower position, in transferring the nail transporting head 213 from the nail forming means to the lower nailing location, both the lines 298 and 305 are drained whereby fluid pressure exerted against the upper surface of piston 290 serves to move the rod 214 downwardly until the nail transporting head 213 is located at the lowermost position.

For purposes of describing the previously mentioned wire feeding mechanism 65 and 73, reference is next made to Figures 8 and 9 wherein one of such mechanisms is illustrated in detail. The mechanism includes a base 312 which is mounted to a laterally extending frame member 313 by machine screws 314 which extend through such frame member and into base 312. Base 312 carries a cylinder block which forms a cylinder chamber 316. A pair of end plates 317 and 318 slideably carry a rod member 320 in holes 321 which are provided with seals 323 and packings 324. Red 320 includes a piston portion 326 which is provided with a fluid seal 327. The left end of rod 320 carries a rigidly attached sliding block 330 adapted to ride on a stationary support block 331 mounted on the frame member 313. As best seen in Figure 9, sliding block 330 carries a stationary adjustable wire gripping element 332 which extends first through a hole 333 in sliding block. 330 and then through a hole 334 in the rod 320. The inner end of wire gripping element 332 extends into a hole 336 which is formed through the entire length of rod 320. A moveable wire gripping element 340 extends through a hole 341 in rod 320 and is engageable with wire 62 on the side thereof opposite the point of engagement of such wire by the stationary wire gripping element 332. Moveable wire gripping element 340 includes a piston 343 arranged for reciprocating movement in a, cylinder 345. A closure 347 for the top of cylinder 345 is secured to the sliding block 330 by machine screws 346. A fluid seal 348 is located between the sliding block and the closure, and a similar fluid seal 349 is carried by the piston 343. Closure 347 includes a hole 351 which communicates with a line 352 for supplying fluid to the outer surface of piston 343 whereby the moveable wire engaging gripping element 340 can be moved inwardly against the wire 62. A compression spring 354 is retained in a recess 355 to move wire gripping element 340 outwardly when fluid pressure is removed from the outer surface of the piston 343.

Referring again to Figure 8, cylinder 316 is provided with a hole 358 and fluid line 359 for supplying fluid to one side of the piston 326, and a hole 361 and fluid line 362 for supplying fluid -to the other side of piston 326. When it is necessary to advance a predetermined length of wire, fluid pressure is introduced through a line 352 leading to the cylinder 345 in sliding block 330 causing the moveable wire gripping element 340 to move inwardly whereby the wire 62 is clamped between the two wire gripping elements. So long as fluid pressure is maintained in cylinder 345, wire 62 is retained and transported vpre'viouslyformed nail to be pushed into the nail supporting, hole 220 in the nail transporting head 213. As "this occurs, a predetermined length of the end of wire 62 is extended between the forming die means in the manner previously described. I

After a length of wire has been advanced, fluid pressure on piston 343 is released and the action-of compression spring 354 causes the moveable wire gripping element 340 to release the wire 62. Fluid is then intro- .ducedthrough line 362 and exhausted through line 359 whereby piston 326, rod 320, and sliding block 330 are retracted to the position illustrated in Figures 8 and 9. Since the wire gripping element 340 is released, the wire 62 willnot be retracted with the sliding block 330. This completes the wire advancing cycle. Additional lengths of wire, to form successive nail blanks, are automatically advanced in a similar manner by appropriate control apparatus. not illustrated.

With reference to Figure 2, a wire straightening mechanism 64 is provided intermediate the wire supply 60 and the wire advancing means 65. Such wire straightening means includes a base plate 365 supported on the transverse frame member 313. Base plate 365 supports a plurality of stationary wire engaging rollers 367, 368 and 369, anda plurality of moveablymounted wire engaging rollers 371 and 372. The wire straightening apparatus furtherfincludes a means, 374 and 375 for moving the moveably mounted wire engaging rollers towards the stationary wire engaging rollers. The means 374 and 375 are adapted to effect a bending action on wire 62. With this arrangement, the degree of reverse bowing of the wire, which condition is indicated at 377, can be adjustably varied such that the wire 62, after passing the wire straightening mechanism 64, will be substantially straightened to provide smooth functioningof the wire advancing mechanism 65 and to supply straight nail blanks at the formingmechanism.

In operation, description of one of heads will be set forth, it being understood that the other head, of the double'headed machine illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, functions in an identical manner. A wire 62 is drawn from the coiled supply 60 by the advancingmechanis-m 65 after first passing through the straightening means 64. The wire advancing mechanism extends a predetermined length of wire between the die portions 111 and 112 with an end portion 117 of the wire extending beyond the surface 118 of the die portions to provide metal which is upset by heading die 402 in forming the head for a nail. The wire length is clamped between serrated surfaces on die portions 111 and 112 to hold the nail during the heading operation and to form conventional serrations on the shank of .the nail.

The point for the nail is formed simultaneously with the cut-off operation by means of the die portions 147 and 148 which are provided with faces 201 and 202. Such faces form a diamond shaped point on the wire length as it is cut from thesupply.

The point-forming die members and shank-serrating die members are next opened and the wire 62 is advanced a predetermined length for the purpose of extending a new length of wire between the forming dies, and for the further purpose of pushing the formed nail, into the nailreeciving'hole-220. inzthe; head213, which head has been gasses;

advanced to the nail receiving -position subsequent to retraction of the heading die 402.

The nailtransporting head 213 is then moved to one of the two nailing locations at the guide holes 221 or 247. Fluid actuated cylinder 232 is next actuated to extend therod members 227 and 228 one of which engages the head of the positioned nail 226 andforces same into the wood member 225. At the same time rod members 227 and 228 are extended the heading die 402 is moved forwardly against the extended end 117 of the wire 62 to upset the metal and form the head on the next nail.

The fluid actuated cylinder is next retracted to the position illustrated in Figure 3 and the above described cycle is repeated to position and drive the next nail at the other of the nailing locations at the guide holes 221 or 247. I

We claim:

1. A machine for performing nailing operations comprising, in combination, forming means for successively forming headed nails from a supply of wire stock; ,wire cutting means for severing a length of wire from said supply, said forming means including a first die means for forming a head on the end of said wire stock and a second die means for forming a point on said wire stock intermediate said end and said supply; nail transporting means movable relative to said forming means and adapted to receive a headed nail from said forming means and position said nail at a nailing location; and force applying means 'engageable with said nail at said nailing location for driving the nail.

2. A machine for performing nailing operations comprising, in'combination, supporting means for a member to be nailed; frame means located adjacent to said supporting means; nail forming apparatus carried by said frame means and adapted to successively form nails; nail transporting apparatus carried by said frame means and moveable relative thereto to successively receive nails from said forming apparatus and move said nails from said forming'apparatus to a plurality of nailing locations; force applying'apparatus engageable with a nail 'at said nailing location for driving the nail; one of said means being movable relative to the other of said means to locate said nailing location at various positions along said member whereby successive nailing operations are performed at a plurality of locations on said member.

3. A machine for performing nailing operations comprising, in combination, forming means for successively forming nails, said forming means including wire supporting means adapted to receive wire from a source,

a first die means for forming a head on the end of said wire and a second die means'for forming a point on said wire intermediate said end and "said source, and means for operating said die means; nail transporting means adapted to receive a nail from said forming means and movable relative to said forming means to position said nail .at'anailing location; and force applying mean'sengageable with said nailat said nailing location for driving the nail.

4. A machinefor performing nailing operations comprising, in combination, forming means for successively forming nails, saidforming means including wire supporting means adapted to receive wire from a source, means for severing a length of said wire from said source, serrated die means engageable with said length for forming a serration thereon; means for operating said serrated die means; nail transporting means adapted to receive a hail from said forming means and position said nail at a nailing location; and force applying means engageable with said nail at said nailing location for driving the nail.

5. A machine for performing nailing operations comprising, in combination, forming means for successively forming nails from a supply of wire, said forming means including wire supporting means adapted to successively said nail at a nailing location; and force applying means engageable with said nail 5 at said nailing location for driving the nail. r p p 7 a 6 A machine for performing nailing operations comprising, in combination, forming means for successively forming nails, said forming means including Wire supporting means adapted to receive wire from a source thereof, die means engageable with theend portion of said wire in said wire supporting means to form a head on said,

length, a second die means for forming a point on said wire stock intermediate said end and said supply, means for operating said die means; nail transporting means adapted to receive a headed nail from said forming means, and position said nail at a nailing location; and force applying means engageable with said nail at said nailing location for driving the nail.

7. A machine for performing nailing operations comprising, in combination, forming means for successively forming nails from a supply of wire, said forming means including a nail supportingportion; a first die means for forming a head on the end of said wire and a second die means for forming a point on said wire adjacentsaid end nail transporting means adapted to receive a nail from said forming means and position said nail-at a mailing location, said nail transporting means being movable relative to said forming means and including a nail receiving portion moveable to a position wherein said portion registers with said nail supporting means, said nail receiving portion being moveable to a second position wherein said portion registers with said nailing location, and said transporting means further including means for successively moving said portion from one of said positions to the other of said positions; means for transferring said nail from said forming means to said nail transporting means; and forceapplying means engageable with said nail at said nailing location for driving the nail.

8. A machine for performing nailing operations comprising, in combination, forming means for successively forming nails from a source of wire stock, said forming means including a nail supporting portion, a first die means for forming a head on the end of said wire and a second die means for forming a point on said wire intermediate said end and said source; nail transporting means movable relative to said forming means and adapted to receive a nail from said forming means and position said nail at a nailing location, said nail transporting means including a nail supporting portion; guide means disposed at said nailing location intermediate said nail transporting means and a member being nailed, said guide means including a hole positioned to register with said nail supporting portion, said hole being thereby adapted to receive and locate the point of a nail as said nail is moved out of said transporting means and toward the member being nailed; and force applying means engageable with said nail at said nailing location for driving the nail.

9. A machine for performing nailingoperations comprising, in combinatiomforming means for successively forming nails; said forming means including a nail supporting portion; nail transporting means movable relative to saidforming means and adapted to receive a nail from said forming means and position said nail at a nailing location, said nail transporting means including a nail supporting portion; guide means disposed at said'nailing location intermediate said nail transporting means and a' member being nailed, said guide means including a nail engaging portion adapted to locate the point of a nail 'on said member being nailed, said nail engaging location for driving the nail.

portion being moveable in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of said nail to permit the passage of said nail beyond said guide means; and force applying means engageable with said nail at said nailing 10. A machine for performing nailing operations comprising, in combination, forming means for successively forming headed nails from a source of wire, said forming means being adapted to receive the end of said wire and including a first die means for forming a head on the end of said wire and a second die means for forming a point on said wire intermediate said end and said source; Wire cutting means for severing a length of wire from said supply; means for successively advancing lengths of said stockto said forming means; nail transporting means adapted to receive a headed nail from said forming means and position said nail at a nailing location; and force applying means engageable with said nail at said nailing location for driving the nail.

11. A machine for performing nailing operations comprising, in combination, forming means for successively forming nails from a supply of wire stock, said forming means including a first die means for forming a head on the end of said wire stock and a second die means for forming a point on said wire stock intermediate said end and said supply; clamping means moveably mounted relative to said forming means and adapted to grip said stock; means for actuating (said clamping means; means 'for moving said clamping means relative to said forming means for advancing lengths of said stock into said forming means; nail transporting means movable relative to said forming means and adapted to receive a nail from said forming means and position said nail at a nailing location; and force applying means engageable with said nail at said nailing location for driving the nail.

12. A machine for performing nailing operations comprising, in combination, snail forming means, including a blank-receiving portion adapted to successively grip and release, said forming means including a first die means for forming a head on the end of said wire stock and a second die means for forming a point on said wire stock intermediate said end and said supply; nail transporting means moveable relative to said forming means between a position of alignment with said blank-receiving portion and a nailing location, said nail transporting means including a nail-receiving portion axially aligned with said blank-receiving portion of the forming means;.

meansfor advancing lengths of said stock into said blankreceiving portion and against the end of a formed nail positioned therein to advance said formed nail into said transporting means and to position a new blank in said blank-receiving portion of said forming means.

13. In a machine for forming nails and performing nailing operations, the combination of means for successively advancing Wire stock from a source along a path of movement; clamping means successively engageable with said lengths of wire; a first die member for forming a head on the end of said wire; a second die member moveable transversely to said path of movement and engageable with said wire stock intermediate said end and said source to form a point thereon; wire cutting means for severing a length of wire from said supply; nail transporting means movable relative to said clamping means for transporting a nail from said clamping means to a nailing location; and force applynig means engageable with said nail at said nailing location for driving the nail. v i

14. In a machine for forming nails and performing nailing operations, the combination of means for successively advancing lengths of wire-forming stock along a path of movement; clamping means successively engageablc with said lengths of Wire; die "means moveable transverselyto said path ofmovement and engageable with said lengths, said die means including a severing 13 portion for severing said lengths from said stock and a point-forming portion; nail transporting means for transporting a nail from said clamping means to a nailing location; and force applying means engageable with said nail at said nailing location for driving the nail.

15. In a machine for forming nails and performing nailing operations, the combination of means for successively advancing wire stock along a path of movement; clamping means successively engageable with said lengths of wire; wire cutting means for severing a length of wire from said supply; a die member moveable against the end of said Wire stock clamped in said clamping means to form a head on the end of said wire stock; nail transporting means movable relative to said clamping means for transporting a nail from said clamping means to a nailing location; and force applying means engageable with said nail at said nailing location for driving the nail.

16. In a machine for forming nails from a supply of wire and performing nailing operations, the combination of wire cutting means for severing nail blanks from said supply; means for feeding said supply of wire to said wire cutting means; blank-receiving means for successively receiving and clamping nail blanks; die means for heading said nail blanks to form nails therefrom; nail transporting means for transporting nails from said blankreceiving means and for positioning said nails at a nailing station; force applying means including said die means and a nail engaging portion; and means for moving said force applying means relative to said blank-receiving means and said nailing station to form a head on a blank clamped in said blank-receiving means and to drive a nail at said nailing station.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 243,601 Newton June 28, 1881 566,359 Weeks Aug. 25, 1896 745,867 Long Dec. 1, 1903 1,704,517 Russell Mar. 5, 1929 2,297,223 Kleinschmit Sept. 29, .1942 

